In this article
What kind of beach is Palm Beach?
Palm Beach is Aruba's most vibrant beach and the best-known stretch of coast where the large hotels are located. Behind the sand lies the so-called high-rise, a strip of tall hotels, restaurants, bars, and shopping centers, meaning you never have to walk far for something to eat or drink.
The beach itself is long and wide, with fine white sand and calm water that is almost always flat on this side of the island. On the sand you’ll find palapas, hotel sun loungers and stalls of water sports providers, and boats leave from the piers for trips along the coast.
If you're looking for a beach where there's always something going on, this is the place. If you prefer quiet and space, the quieter neighboring beach is a better choice, and it's only a few minutes away.
Palm Beach in brief
| Topic | What to expect | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Lively, with hotels, bars, and watersports on the sand | Most beautiful beaches |
| Water | Calm and clear, suitable for swimming | With kids |
| Watersports | Wide selection, from parasailing to windsurfing | Watersports in Aruba |
| Boat trips | Many tours depart from the piers | Best boat trips |
| Crowds | The busiest beach on the island, especially around noon | Best travel time |
| Alternative | Eagle Beach for more space and tranquility | Eagle Beach |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns.
Palm Beach is located in Florida.
Palm Beach is located on the west coast of Aruba, north of Eagle Beach, and about a fifteen-minute drive from Oranjestad. It is the beach of the hotel strip, and almost all of the island's major resorts are lined up here one after another.
Because everything is located along a single coastal road, the area is easy to survey. You can walk from your hotel straight onto the sand, and the restaurants and shops are across the street.
Even without your own transportation, you can get there easily, as the public bus runs along the coastal road between the city and the hotels. How to plan a vacation without a car can be read in Aruba without a rental car.
How busy is it at Palm Beach?
This is Aruba's busiest beach, and you'll notice it most between eleven and four o'clock. That's when the sun loungers are full, boats are coming and going, and people are constantly arriving and departing on the sand.
In the early morning, it's a completely different beach. Before nine o'clock, it's quiet, the water is mirror-smooth, and you have plenty of space to swim or walk along the waterline.
In the winter months and around the holidays, it is structurally busier than in the fall. Which period suits your preference is in our guide about the best time to visit Aruba.
Swimming at Palm Beach
The water on this side of the island is sheltered and therefore calm, with little wave action and a sandy bottom that gradually deepens. This makes the beach suitable for staying in the water for a long time, even if you are not a strong swimmer.
Pay attention to the boat routes and the instructions of the watersports providers, as there is more traffic on the water than on the quieter beaches. Do not swim between the piers indiscriminately.
The sun feels less intense than it actually is due to the constant wind, so reapply sunscreen more often than you're used to and seek shade in between.
Snorkeling around the piers
Palm Beach is not a classic snorkeling spot because the bottom is mostly sand. You can see a bit around the wooden piers, as fish like to hang out by the poles and the shade underneath.
For those who want to snorkel right off the shore, drive north to Boca Catalina, Malmok or Tres Trapi, a little further up the same coast. The water there is clear, and you can see coral and fish immediately from the shore.
Which place and at which moment is most pleasant, we explain in our article about the best snorkeling spots in Aruba.
Watersports on Palm Beach
Nowhere on Aruba is the range of water sports as large as here. Along the beach, there are stands where you can find all sorts of water activities, and the constant wind also makes the area suitable for sailing.
Parasailing is one of the most popular activities because in a short time you can see the entire hotel area and the coastline from above. You hang under a parachute behind a boat and don't need any experience.
Always check the tour page itself for the current duration, conditions, and any age or weight limits, as that information can change.
Boat trips depart from the piers
A large portion of boat tours in Aruba depart from the piers at Palm Beach, making it possible to walk to your boat from most hotels in the area. This saves you the hassle of parking and finding your way.
In the late afternoon, the tours sail towards the sunset, offering a peaceful way to end the day. During the day, the catamarans go along the coast and usually make one or two snorkeling stops.
Check the tour page itself for what's included and the departure times, as these vary by tour and season.
Eating, drinking, and going out
Across the coastal road lies the island's largest concentration of restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to fine dining. On the beach itself, there are also beach bars where you can have a drink with your feet in the sand.
In the evening the area stays lively, with terraces, live music and casinos in the hotels. That makes Palm Beach the place to go if you don’t want to head straight back to your room after the beach.
Prices, opening hours and programs vary by venue and by season, so check on site or on the venue’s own website.
Shopping nearby
Several shopping centers are located around Palm Beach within walking distance of the beach, offering clothing, souvenirs, jewelry, and cafes. They are covered or semi-open, making them a pleasant destination even if it rains.
For groceries, there are supermarkets within a short distance, which is convenient if you are staying in an apartment and want to cook for yourself. This also saves on costs.
What a week in Aruba costs, approximately, and where you can save money, you can read about in how much a vacation to Aruba costs.
Sun loungers, palapas and shade
Much of the sand in front of the hotels is set up with sun loungers and palapas intended for hotel guests. If you’re staying elsewhere, you can often rent a spot, but that varies by hotel and by day.
The beach itself is public, so you can put your towel down anywhere as long as you’re not taking a rented spot. In that case bring your own shade, because free palapas are scarce and taken quickly.
What else is useful to take with you for a day by the water can be found in our article about What to bring to Aruba.
Where do you park at Palm Beach?
There are parking spaces along the coastal road and at the shopping centers, but during high season, these are often full around noon. Those arriving later in the day should be prepared for a bit of a walk.
If you're coming with a rental car, don't leave belongings in plain sight. This is no different in Aruba than elsewhere, but it's especially wise on a busy beach with a lot of traffic.
Wondering if you need a car, our comparison tool can help you rental car or excursions in Aruba you with that choice.
Palm Beach with kids
Palm Beach works well for families because the water is calm and there's always something to see. Children will enjoy the boats, the piers, and the comings and goings of water sports, and you have food and drinks within easy reach.
Please keep in mind that it is crowded and there is a lot of boat traffic. Agree on where you will be located and keep small children close to the shore, away from the shipping lanes.
More tips for a family vacation, from beaches to daily schedules, can be found in Aruba with children.
Palm Beach or Eagle Beach?
The difference is mainly in atmosphere. Palm Beach is lively and full of amenities, while Eagle Beach is wider, more open, and much quieter, with low-rise buildings behind it instead of high-rise hotels.
If you want a beach where you can spend the entire day for food, drinks, and activities, then Palm Beach is the logical choice. If you are looking for space, quiet, and a classic beach feel, you will prefer Eagle Beach.
The two are so close together that you can view them both. What you can expect at the neighboring beach, we describe in Eagle Beach.
Sunset and evening
Because the beach faces west, you can watch the sun sink right into the sea. Around that time, the beach fills with people who come to watch, and the beach bars are at their busiest.
After sunset, life moves to the boulevard and the terraces across the road. That makes Palm Beach the place where you can also go in the evening without traveling far.
If you're looking for a quieter moment with a sea view, a trip on the water at the end of the afternoon is a pleasant change of pace. In Aruba for couples We'll give more ideas for that.
This is how Palm Beach fits into your week
Palm Beach is a good choice for days when you want to do something without driving far. You can swim, do water sports, take a boat trip and stay for dinner in the evening, all within the same area.
Alternate your days with a quieter beach or an inland excursion, so your week isn't just the hotel strip. The eastern part of the island feels very different.
A detailed week schedule alternating beach, nature, and excursions can be found Aruba in 7 days.
Frequently Asked Questions About Palm Beach
Is Palm Beach publicly accessible?
Yes, all beaches on Aruba are public. You can lie on the sand anywhere, including in front of the hotels. What isn’t public are the sun loungers and palapas that hotels have set out for their guests; you pay for those or have to stay there.
Can you snorkel at Palm Beach?
There's something to see around the piers because fish gather there, but the rest of the seabed is sand. For real shore snorkeling, you'd be better off going a bit further north, to Boca Catalina or Malmok. Our guide to snorkeling in Aruba explains where you can expect what.
You can do what water sports at Palm Beach?
The selection is the largest on the island and ranges from parasailing to water sports that benefit from the constant wind. We'll outline exactly what's possible and what each activity entails in our article about water sports in Aruba.
Is Palm Beach suitable for children?
The water is calm and shallow near the shore, and there's plenty to see and do. Just be mindful of boat traffic and water sports, and keep small children close to the shore. Those seeking more tranquility will often find Eagle Beach or Baby Beach more pleasant.
How do you get to Palm Beach without a car?
The public bus runs along the coastal road between Oranjestad and the hotel strip and stops at several places along the beach. There are also taxis, and many hotels offer transport. In Aruba without a rental car We'll explain how to plan an entire week.
What is there to do at Palm Beach in the evening?
On and behind the beach there are terraces, restaurants, beach bars and casinos, so the area stays lively after sunset too. That makes it the place on Aruba where you have the most choice in the evening without traveling far.
Do you want to get out on the water from Palm Beach or explore the island? Then check out which activities and excursions fit your trip.
Baby Beach: Shallow Water and Calmness in the South of Aruba
Mangel Halto: snorkeling among the mangroves on Aruba
Tres Trapi: snorkeling with a chance of turtles and starfish
Best snorkeling spots on Aruba